10 Best Food Markets in Paris

Le Marché des Enfants Rouges (the Red Children Market) owes its quirky name to the fact it was an orphanage which dressed its children in red during the 16th century. It’s the oldest covered market in Paris and one of the most popular. Here, you’ll find food stalls selling dishes from Italy, Africa, Lebanon – basically, from all around the world. The historical importance of the place makes this market truly atmospheric.

Saint-Martin Market (Marché Saint-Martin) is a covered food market where you'll find organic produce, fresh dishes and a Moroccan restaurant. The current structure dates back to 1880, though the market itself goes back a few decades prior to when it was first built.

Visiting this market will have you met with a wide variety of food options, though they're all fresh. The Moroccan restaurant is especially unique, as it offers a type of cuisine that isn't typically found all that often in Paris in an accessible and affordable way. You'll find it on the south-west side of Porte-Saint-Martin.

Mouffetard Market (Marché Mouffetard) is a local market that is set up across a street that's long since been converted to host lively stalls and vendors. The open-air market offers fresh food including fruit, veg, meat, cheese and even seafood.

While the hearty options are quite popular, be sure to check out the sweet pastries on offer here as well. The sweet treats in general are among some of the best you'll find in all of Paris. It's easy to fit in your itinerary as well since the market is open every day except Monday. It's located on the street of the same name in the 5th arrondissement.

Montorgueil Street Market (Rue Montorgueil) is a popular market street where you'll find a variety of restaurants and vendors offering a wide variety of food. The boulangerie is especially popular thanks to its delicious baked bread with a knack for croissants.

Among the market here, you'll find all sorts of food items including pastries and cheese. The cheese shop La Fermette on this market street is especially popular, as they offer suggestions and tastings to help you find the perfect cheese. It's all located in the 2nd arrondissement just west of the Etienne Marcel metro station.

Aligre Market (Marché d'Aligre) is a fun food market with plenty to offer across 2 distinct sections that each have something special to offer. The covered market section is spread across 3 halls where you'll find a variety of food stalls offering fresh fruit and veg along with cheese, meat and herbs.

The other section of the market is an open-air experience where you'll find even more food vendors. Additionally, however, you'll find vendors in the open-air section offering other items like fabrics, antique books and home decor. See it all for yourself between Bastille and Quinze-Vingts.

Saint-Germain Market (Marché Saint-Germain) is a covered food market that's open throughout most of the week with local and international foods. Most of the selection is fresh produce, but you'll find plenty of roasted meats as well. The cheese stall is also quite popular.

When you visit this market, be sure to check out the international options. You'll be able to find foods normally harder to source in France with stunning ingredients and dishes from Iberia, Italy and Greece. Try it all out for yourself in south-western Monnaie.

Rungis International Market (Marché International de Rungis) is the central market of Paris where you'll find a variety of food items from all over the world. This market is one of the largest wholesale food markets on the planet with enough on offer that you can't explore it all in a single day.

The size of this market is truly astounding with the entire complex covering more space than the entirety of Monaco. You'll find local food as well as international favourites carried in by around 26,000 vehicles every day. You'll find this massive market in Rungis, which is a suburban commune south of the city centre.

As its name implies, Raspail Organic Market is dedicated to pesticide-free fresh fruits and vegetables, and additive-free meat and fish. The quality of the products found at this busy market is second-to-none, and many transport-friendly goods such as honey and bottled oil can be found. A good choice of food stalls also gives you the opportunity to snack or enjoy a quick lunch. Do not miss the English bakery stall – it’s busy for good reasons.

Bastille Market (Marché Bastille) is a convenient open-air street market where you'll find all sorts of food items including a lot of what you'd expect along with certain specialities. Local French producers offer fruit and veg in impressive quantities here among more than 150 unique stalls.

If you're looking for something a bit more specialised and unique, keep an eye out for seasonal treats like truffles. You'll also find shellfish and high-quality cheeses available. It's all located just north of Canal Saint-Martin and south of the Chemin Vert metro station.

Président-Wilson Market (Marché Président-Wilson) is one of the largest open-air food markets in the city with a wide variety of items and vendors. As you stroll through this market, you'll probably see just about every kind of meat, cheese, fruit and veg you can imagine.

Despite its size, a lot of the vendors are established regulars here that have developed relationships with local shoppers. The decor is also quite elegant as is fairly common in the 16th arrondissement. It's specifically located just north of the Seine and west of the Alma-Marceau metro station.